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Foreign ministers of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on May 10 voiced their concern over the escalating tension in the East Sea, and called on the parties concerned to exercise self-restraint.

In a statement, the ministers also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region as well as the bloc’s six-point principles on the East Sea.

Following is the full text of the statement:

“ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed their serious concerns over the on-going developments in the South China Sea, which have increased tensions in the area.

“They urged all parties concerned, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions which could undermine peace and stability in the area; and to resolve disputes by peaceful means without resorting to threat or use of force.

“They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability, maritime security, freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea as well as the ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea and the Joint Statement of the 15 th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10 th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

“They also called on all parties to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) to undertake full and effective implementation of the DOC in order to create an environment of mutual trust and confidence. They emphasised the need for expeditiously working towards an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).”.-VNA